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Markuann Smith

Executive Producer & Actor — Godfather of Harlem. Creator of Divine City.

This site needs JavaScript. Reach Markuann at markuann@gmail.com · IMDb · Instagram

Markuann Smith — Executive Producer · Actor · Director

Markuann Smith

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Harlem · New York

A Markuann Smith Production

Reel 01 · Leader

Story Godfather of Harlem Divine City Film & TV Honors Press Contact

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●Harlem-born actor, producer, and director

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Markuann
Smith

Executive Producer & Actor — Godfather of Harlem. Harlem-born storyteller shaping television from the executive suite to the studio floor.

See what's next — Divine City ▸

The story

Sc. 02 — The greenlight

Three networks passed. It took eighteen years. He made it anyway.

18

Years to the screen

40

Episodes as Executive Producer

35

Episodes as Junie Byrd

4

Seasons · EPIX → MGM+

Now screening

Reel 01 · Sound on

Born Nov 19, 1977 · NYCMorgan State Univ.

“Don’t just go through life — grow through life.”

Sc. 03 — Biography

A life in three acts.

Act I

Formative Years: Harlem Roots

Born November 19, 1977, in New York City and raised in Harlem, Markuann Smith’s perspective was forged at the epicenter of cultural evolution. His brother, Father M.C., was a cornerstone of the New Jack Swing era, signed to Uptown MCA Records. That early, front‑row exposure to the intersection of street culture, music, and the entertainment industry gave him a unique lens on the business of storytelling.

Act II

Education & Industry Beginnings

A graduate of Morgan State University with a minor in theater, Markuann began his professional ascent behind the scenes at Black Entertainment Television (BET). This hands‑on production work taught him the mechanics of television and the pulse of the audience. He soon stepped in front of the camera, hosting VH1’s Let’s Talk About Pep, where he honed the charisma and unscripted confidence that would define his later career.

Act III

The Breakthrough: Godfather of Harlem

After a decade building a versatile acting portfolio—from The Dave Chappelle Show to independent films—Markuann realized his most ambitious vision with Godfather of Harlem. As a driving creative force and Executive Producer, he bridged production leadership and on‑screen performance, helping craft a modern classic rooted in authentic Black history and Harlem’s legacy.

Sc. 04 — EPIX / MGM+ · 2019–2025

Godfather
of Harlem

One man, three seats at the table. Flip each card to see how Markuann shaped the series from development to the set.

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Milestones — scroll the reel →

Kodak 5219 · Roll A

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Sc. 04b — Location scout

From Harlem to D.C.

Where he grew up, where he studied, and where his next series is set. Tap a pin.

38.5°N – 41.3°N · 78°W – 73°W

Sc. 05 — In development

Proof-of-concept pilot · Private screening

Divine City

From the Executive Producer of Godfather of Harlem

Logline

Divine City is a visceral exploration of mid‑80s Washington, D.C.—a city split between its image as the “City on a Hill” and its reality as the “Murder Capital of the World.”

Blending real historical and fictional figures, the series dives into the collision of crime, politics, and power, proving that in the District, the deadliest deals aren’t always made in the Oval Office.

RoleExecutive Producer / Creator

SettingWashington, D.C. · mid-1980s

DIVINE CITY — "PILOT"1.

FADE IN:

EXT. WASHINGTON, D.C. — 1986 — NIGHT

The Capitol dome glows white above the city. A few miles east, the lights of Potomac Gardens flicker.

SUPER: "CITY ON A HILL."

The words hold. Burn away. Replaced by:

SUPER: "MURDER CAPITAL OF THE WORLD."

A black Mercedes idles in the smoke.

SMASH CUT TO:

SAMPLE PAGE · FULL PILOT AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Behind the frame — drag to compareFR 06A

Final frame

◂▸

Final On set

Producers, financiers, networks — take a seat.

Request the pitch materials and a private screening of the proof-of-concept pilot.

Request a private screening ▸

{{ deckIcon }}Investor room · Views logged

The Divine City pitch deck

Enter your details and the access code from Markuann’s team. Each view is recorded.

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Sc. 06 — Call sheet

Film & TV work

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Sc. 07 — Honors & recognition

Recognized from Harlem to Kansas City.

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Sc. 08 — Dailies

Red carpet & premieres

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Speaking & media

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Sc. 08b — Your cut

Cast yourself.

Tell us who you are. We’ll cut the reel and credits for you.

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Sc. 08c — Press kit

Build your press kit.

Pick what you need. It downloads as one ZIP.

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Download ZIP ▸

Sc. 09 — Contact

Let’s make the next one.

For casting, producing, media, and speaking inquiries, please reach out via the form or representation.

InstagramFollow ↗ IMDbFull credits ↗ WikipediaRead ↗ EmailWrite directly →

AgencyBuchwald

ManagementUntitled

RepresentationMax Gousse · Artistry Worldwide

15-minute intro · Eastern timeTake 01

That’s a wrap

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● Director’s commentary

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Markuann Smith

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Harlem born. Globally minded.

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